In the medical field, the most important thing is comfort — wearing shoes that aren’t distracting and can withstand long shifts standing on your feet often does the trick. Some studies suggest nurses are more likely to suffer from various foot conditions — from blisters, corns, cramps, and more. These can be incredibly painful and can sometimes impact the quality of the healthcare provided by nurses.
Wide-fitting shoes are excellent for nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals who stand for long periods. Wide feet shoes should be comfortable and durable, with a heel designed explicitly for medical duties. Their ultra-cushioned design gives you long-lasting support for your arches, plus room for your toes to wiggle.
To help you choose the best pair of wide feet shoes for your specific needs, here is a guide to the latest nurse footwear trends.
Best Women’s Shoes for Wide Feet for Nurses
Overall: New Balance Women’s 720 V1 Sneaker
The New Balance Women’s 720 V1 Sneakers are the best women’s nursing shoes for wide feet. These shoes are great for everyday wear, delivering a classic low-profile silhouette in a variety of fresh and bright colors that can be mixed and matched with your favorite outfits.
New Balance Women’s 720 V1 Sneakers
The upper is made from suede and nylon for a lightweight, comfortable fit that’s never out of style. It also features an OrthoLite® footbed that adds cushioning and support where you need it most—along with a rubber outsole for durability so that you can wear your favorite sneakers all day long.
The rubber outsole provides the traction and durability needed to get you through tough workdays without getting worn out, so you can look good while you get things done in these must-have sneakers.
Whether you’re looking for a sneaker made with vintage style or something more on the contemporary side, the New Balance Women’s 720 V1 Sneaker will fit the bill. This casual running shoe has been designed in an array of seasonal colors to refresh your wardrobe, while its versatility only adds to the appeal of this stellar sneaker.
Most Supportive: Adidas Swift Run X Sneakers
The Adidas Swift Run X Sneakers are designed for nurses with wide feet–it has a snug fit, so they hug your feet and support your body weight as you walk around during your shift. These shoes will keep you safe as you move around, but they’re also comfortable enough that they won’t rub against any sensitive parts of your feet.
adidas Originals Women’s Swift Run Sneakers
These nursing shoes for wide feet are not just comfy; they’ve also got a roomy fit and a lacing system that makes it easy to get them on and off. Best of all, they’ve got a textured feel that makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds (without falling). The midsole is made from lightweight EVA foam that’ll keep your feet comfortable even during long shifts.
If you have wide feet and are looking for supportive and stylish shoes, look no further than the Adidas Swift Run X! They come in several different colors and patterns to match your favorite scrubs, so you can support your team without sacrificing style or comfort on your feet.
Best Stability: Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe
The Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe is designed for women with wide feet and takes all of the best elements from your favorite pair of walking shoes. It combines them with an ankle-protecting upper and a super-sticky Vibram® Megagrip sole to create a hiking shoe designed around the unique shape of a woman’s foot.
Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoes
These nursing shoes for wide feet feature an upper made of mesh and 3D-printed TPU, while the outsole is made of Vibram® Megagrip to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, whatever the weather. Since this shoe can handle both outdoor adventure and everyday life, you’ll be able to wear it at work and out on the town.
Siren Edge 3 has a traditional lace closure and a molded nylon arch shank to give your foot the support it needs. At the same time, Kinetic Fit™ TRI removable contoured insoles offer lightweight support to all three arches in your foot. The shoe also features a Vegan-friendly construction.
With its high-quality construction and durable design, Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoe will take you on all kinds of adventures—and keep up with your busy lifestyle as a nurse, too.
Most Comfortable: Brooks Women’s Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoe
If you’re a nurse looking for a shoe that can adapt to all of your busy schedules, look no further than the Brooks Women’s Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoe. It’s designed specifically for nurses wanting to feel protected in a wide-width women’s shoe.
Brooks Cascadia 16 Women’s Trail Running Shoes
Brooks created the Cascadia line for runners who need shoes to adapt to varying surfaces. The midsole includes grooves that allow easy movement on rough terrain and side-to-side adaptability. The Ballistic Rock Shield was also updated with vertical grooves to provide side-to-side protection, giving nurses the ability to move quickly over changing terrains and prevent injury.
A newer version of DNA LOFT cushioning provides 10% softer cushioning than previous versions, making running on various surfaces even more comfortable. New 2mm of foam cushioning in the midsole gives runners additional comfort without any added weight.
These nursing shoes for wide feet also come with a TrailTack rubber outsole that provides wet-dry traction, drainage ports that drain water quickly, and a gusset that keeps out sand and debris so it can perform well in all conditions.
The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoe is here to provide superior comfort and exceptional performance in all environments. This shoe has received updated construction and design–perfect for any nurse with wide feet who wants a supportive shoe for everyday wear or intense workouts!
Most Lightweight: Topo Athletic Women’s Phantom 2 Athletic Running Shoe
The Topo Athletic Women’s Phantom 2 Athletic Running Shoes are here to save your day–and those long overnight shifts when your feet feel like they’re going to fall off. Topo’s Phantom 2 delivers on its promise of comfort, with more cushioning and resiliency than its predecessor. Plus, it has a more breathable upper and a wider toe box, so your feet stay cool, dry, and comfortable all day long.
Topo Athletic Women’s Phantom 2 Running Shoes
This updated version has been redesigned with a mesh upper made of 30% recycled materials, keeping the foot cool and comfortable while providing reinforced security through the midfoot.
It’s engineered with a 5mm heel-to-toe drop, encouraging an optimal level of cushioning on a neutral platform. Topo’s highest available drop allows you to access natural running with more under-heel cushioning, which means less strain and fatigue on your joints as you go about your day.
You’ll find that these nursing shoes for wide feet come in different colors and sizes to fit your needs, with the same great design features which made the Phantom popular.
Topo Athletic Women’s Phantom 2 is the ideal running shoe for women nurses with wide feet who need all-day comfort and support for their busy work schedules.
Best Men’s Shoes for Wide Feet for Nurses
Overall: Nike Men’s Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoe
The Nike Men’s Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoes are the best men’s nursing shoes for wide feet. The shoes have a breathable textile upper, stitched overlays for support, and cushioned foam for comfort.
Nike Men’s Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoes
The Nike Revolution 5 men’s running shoes are lightweight knit textile for breathable comfort and have a reinforced heel and overlays for durability and support. The soft foam cushioning in the midsole lets you run in comfort, and the textured outer wall reduces weight for a lighter feel.
To keep your feet comfortable even after your long shifts at the hospital, these men’s running shoes are made with rubber outsoles that provide durable traction on a variety of surfaces, while spacing in the tread lets your foot flex naturally. This combination of features makes the Nike Men’s Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoe just what your feet need when you’re working hard all day long.
If you’re looking for the best running shoes for nurses with wide feet, then look no further than the Nike Men’s Revolution 5 Running Shoe. These are one of the most minimalist shoes out there—you can wear them in the OR and then out on the town with no hassle.
And if you have wide feet, they’re a must-have too! These durable and flexible nursing shoes for wide feet have a plush lining and padding that keep you comfortable, while the lightweight cushioning makes sure you stay stable and supported.
Most Lightweight: ASICS Men’s Glideride 2 Running Shoes
The ASICS Men’s Glideride 2 Running Shoes are engineered with cutting-edge responsive cushioning that provides maximum energy return while still light as air. They are built with a flexible sole that conforms to your feet while running, reducing stress on joints and providing support as you move.
ASICS Men’s Glideride 2 Running Shoes
These shoes are perfect for any nurse with wide feet because of their foam sole, which keeps you comfortable while you’re on your feet all day. It also reduces the impact that running has on your ankles, knees, and hips. This means you’ll be more likely to avoid injury when wearing these shoes.
These wide feet shoes for nurses have an engineered mesh upper that improves breathability. This means that your feet won’t get overheated as quickly when you run in them. And since your feet will stay dryer, they’ll also last longer than other running shoes.
They also feature a curved sole design and stiff forefoot of our GUIDESOLE technology, which reduces ankle flexion and provides a shock-absorbent landing zone to lessen the fatigue of other leg muscles and increase runner efficiency.
Lastly, this shoe has a 3D print on the upper that improves support without adding weight or bulkiness to the shoe’s design. ASICS Men’s Glideride 2 Running Shoes is perfect for nurses who wear their shoes all day long and want something lightweight but supportive.
Most Supportive: Saucony Men’s Kinvara 8 Running Shoe
Saucony Men’s Kinvara 8 Running Shoe is the most supportive men’s shoe for nurses with wide feet. They have a wide fit, and their Flexfilm overlays let you feel supported while you run or walk around the hospital. It features EVERUN Topsole material for cushioning and support around the arch, so it’s more effective than most nurse shoes out there.
Saucony Men’s Kinvara 8 Running Shoes
The FLEXFILM overlays wrap around the midfoot area for a custom fit. The sole top construction allows for extra cushioning, so you feel even lighter on your feet and more stable. They’ve also included an internal strap system that hugs the midfoot, so there’s no slipping or movement when you’re running around doing errands or taking care of patients.
With a lightweight upper and supportive material, everything about these nursing shoes for wide feet is designed to give nurses the support they need to keep going all day long. The soft fabric of the shoe hugs their feet for maximum comfort, and the ankle strap keeps their feet securely in place. Plus, it’s durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear it’ll suffer throughout an entire shift.
It’s no surprise that Saucony Men’s Kinvara 8 Running Shoe has been so popular with nurses; it offers excellent comfort and optimal support at a price that works for any budget.
Best Stability: HOKA Men’s Arahi 5 Support Shoe
Finding a stable shoe that doesn’t pinch or squeeze can be a real challenge if you’ve got wide feet. But HOKA Men’s Arahi 5 Support Shoe is designed with a wide-fitting engineered mesh upper. This breathable material keeps your feet cool and stabilized so that you can focus all your energy on taking care of patients.
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Arahi 5 Trainers
These wide feet shoes for nurses are perfect for those who need a better fit but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. The Meta-Rocker is a feature that makes this shoe especially great for nurses. It provides a smooth ride while also reducing stress on the foot.
The firmer EVA J-frame offers lightweight support when you’re moving quickly to assist patients. The flat-waisted geometry ensures inherent stability in every stride, so you can feel confident while you race down the hall to get to the next emergency.
If you’re looking for a lightweight stability shoe that combines incredible support and an unbelievable ride, look no further than HOKA Men’s Arahi 5 Support Shoe. With its engineered mesh and material, you can be sure that this shoe will deliver optimal breathability, stability, and ventilation for your feet.
Most Cushioned: New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3
New Balance shoes have always been about cushioning, and their latest Fresh Foam Beacon v3 Running Shoe is no different. The Beacon v3 is a high-mileage shoe that boasts an engineered mesh upper for a barely-there feel, an ultra heel design that hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit, and an ultra-breathable textile material that helps your feet stay cool and dry.
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Beacon V3 Running Shoes
These wide feet shoes for nurses have an ultra-cushioned midsole that provides maximum shock absorption, keeping your feet happy and healthy even after a long shift. The shoe also has an engineered mesh upper that fits like a glove. It’s breathable and lightweight enough to keep you cool even when you’re running around all day but strong enough to keep you supported.
There are also rubber outsole pods in the forefoot area of the shoe that offers abrasion resistance in high-wear areas. This little extra feature means less chance of slipping and falling on slippery hospital floors when your shoes get wet from cleaning fluid or blood spills.
Whether you’re on your feet for hours at a time or running from one room to another with heavy equipment, your shoes need to be able to keep up. The New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v3 provides an ultra-cushioned ride while providing abrasion resistance where required.
Best Men’s & Women’s shoes for wide feet, for nurses, final thoughts…
Finding the best wide-foot shoes for nurses can be challenging, but thankfully there are several good choices out there. In the end, there are plenty of reasons to choose wide-width shoes for nursing. They are comfortable, stylish and will save you from foot pain or injury.
Whether you’re looking for solid-colored shoes or a pair with eye-catching designs, these brands have you covered. To wrap up this article, our top pick for women is the New Balance Women’s 720 V1 Sneaker, and for men is the Nike Men’s Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoe. These shoes should have plenty of cushioning along with flexible soles that will definitely meet your specific needs.